The Sky. Théodore Rousseau. Barbizon

Théodore Rousseau (1812-1867) was a French painter and engraver. He is considered the co-founder of the Barbizon School. He was a keen observer of nature in all seasons. This small painting on cardboard depicts an open landscape largely dominated by the sky. The composition is horizontal, organized into successive planes that gradually fade into the mist. The sky is covered with thick clouds, rendered in a range of grays and muted blues. A diffuse, almost crepuscular light pierces through the clouds and illuminates the scene without ever becoming harsh. On the horizon, a distant line of barely sketched plant silhouettes can be discerned, shrouded in a veil. The foreground, a meadow, is treated in a restrained manner, with green and earthy tones. Signed lower right. Countersigned on the back, it reads: “Study of the sky by Théodore Rousseau of the Barbizon school, Fontainebleau 1830. Painting mounted on cardboard. Authenticated on December 14, 1849 by Master Sterling, Chief Curator, Louvre Museum.” Dimensions: 26 x 19 cm